Donkey Kong Bananza: Boring? Some Players Think So
Image Credit: Nintendo - Donkey Kong Bananza
Written by Michael Owen | Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza is one of Nintendo’s best-reviewed games in years, but not everyone is on board. While critics gave it a 91 on Metacritic, many players online say it feels repetitive, aimless, or just not that fun. The core divide seems to be about expectations: some wanted a platformer, others enjoy the exploration sandbox.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common complaints and how they compare to what the game actually delivers.
The Main Criticism: Too Repetitive
Several players say the game lacks structure. The main loop; smashing through walls and collecting bananas; doesn’t evolve much in the early worlds. There are few real puzzles, platforming segments are rare, and enemies pose little challenge. Some even compared it to games like Powerwash Simulator, where the fun comes from a single repeated action.
Others point out that the Bananza form makes things too easy. Bosses can be beaten in seconds, and secrets don’t feel hidden when the sonar upgrade guides you straight to them.
Not Enough Challenge or Platforming
A major complaint is that Bananza doesn’t feel like a platformer. You rarely jump, there’s no tight movement or precision, and the levels feel more like open zones than stages. Players hoping for a Mario-style experience walked away disappointed. They wanted more obstacles, enemy fights, and skill-based movement.
Some also noted that most collectibles are found through destruction or scanning, not gameplay. You knock down walls until you find something… then repeat.
Camera Issues and Motion Sickness
A number of posts mentioned that Bananza’s camera and screen shake made them feel nauseous. While you can disable screen shake in the settings, the fast-paced smashing and voxel destruction still caused discomfort for some players.
One Reddit thread even described the camera as “broken” during core gameplay. For a game built around chaos and destruction, poor camera tracking can quickly ruin the experience.
But Many Still Love It
Despite the backlash, plenty of players are having fun. Those who enjoy exploration, collecting, and open-ended movement say Bananza is one of their favorite Nintendo games in years. Some even prefer it over Mario Odyssey.
Many fans agree it starts slow, but gets more engaging as the world opens up. Upgrades like the sonar, the fossil collection system, and Bananza form add new layers the deeper you go. For some, it clicked after reaching later stages like SL300.
Critics and Sales Say Otherwise
Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just popular… It’s literally the highest-rated DK game ever. Built by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, it’s DK’s first major 3D outing since Donkey Kong 64 (an absolute classic). Unlike Tropical Freeze, this one drops side-scrolling in favor of full 3D exploration and environmental destruction.
The voxel engine lets players break apart nearly every surface. You can climb, surf, smash, and scan your way through wide-open regions. Critics called it “addictive” and “bursting with creativity,” making it a top contender for 2025 Game of the Year.
Even with the player divide, Bananza is a major step forward for the franchise. DK finally got the upgrade fans have wanted for over a decade.
Final Blurb
Not everyone loves Donkey Kong Bananza, but there’s no doubt it’s a bold reinvention for the franchise. The destructible worlds and freeform exploration won over critics, but players expecting a traditional platformer may walk away disappointed. Either way, it’s DK’s biggest hit in years and that alone makes it worth paying attention to.
FAQ
Why do some players think Donkey Kong Bananza is boring?
They find the gameplay loop repetitive, with little platforming, low challenge, and too much reliance on smashing and scanning.
Is Bananza more of a platformer or exploration game?
It leans heavily into exploration. Traditional platforming is minimal, with most gameplay focused on movement and destruction.
Does the game get better later?
Yes. Several players say it improves after a few worlds, with more upgrades and better map design around SL300 and beyond.
Can the camera cause motion sickness?
Yes. The combination of screen shake and camera tracking during fast destruction can cause nausea. Disabling screen shake helps.
Is Donkey Kong Bananza a critical success?
Absolutely. It’s DK’s highest-rated standalone game ever, with a Metacritic score of 91 and strong praise from major outlets.
More Donkey Kong Bananza
